“We were the coldest all year from the three-point shooting range,” said coach John Schultz. “The problem wasn't that. It was the lack of rebounding on our part. We like to fast break, but you can't if you don't control the boards.”
The Panthers were outrebounded 31-28, the first time in two years they failed to win the battle of the boards.
“BA really hustled and beat us on the boards,” said Coach Schultz. “That will change. We blew too many opportunities to score off of Carlie’s drive and dishes. We played a bit better on defense the second half, but they were hitting more shots then. We have to learn from this and continue to get better.”
NRHEG’s B-squad won 62-23.
Friday’s game was big because the Panthers tied USC for the conference championship a year ago. This time, the Panthers jumped to a 20-2 lead and never looked back. It was 34-25 at halftime. Some careless second-half play allowed the Rebels within five points, but the Panthers closed it out handily.
Wagner was again red-hot, scoring 38 points to go with six rebounds, five assists and four steals. Schlaak had a game-high 15 rebounds with two points, three assists, six steals and four blocks. Others: Schultz nine points, 10 rebounds, four assists; Raimann six points, four steals; Cole eight points; Lundberg two points; Schue six rebounds.
The Panthers outrebounded USC 46-26.
“I'm proud of the girls playing as a team,” said Coach Schultz. “They were so unselfish again, almost to the point that it creates turnovers. We were back to hustling on the boards again and that made a big difference. The kids played with a lot of guts.”
The B-squad stayed unbeaten, winning 55-25.
The Panthers played Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Blooming Prairie. They host JWP Thursday, Dec. 22 and play in the St. Peter tournament Dec. 28-29.
